Life Might Not Always be a Bowl of Cherries…but Summer Is!

Cherries are one of those fruits that signal summer, and the taste alone makes them worth eating during their seasonal peak. But, cherries also boast a wealth of beneficial properties, too many to list here. Some of the top ones include:

• Reducing inflammation

• Boosting antioxidant potential (thanks in large part to their rich red color, due to their anthocyanins, flavonoids that act as potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in the body)

• Cancer prevention

• Decreasing risk of gout flare-ups

• Relieving joint pain and arthritis aches and pains

• Lowering your risk of stroke

• May help reduce belly fat

One of my favorite ways to consume cherries is in the form of a quick and easy mock “ice cream.” I just blend about a cup of frozen cherries (fresh is ideal this time of year though!) with 1 TBSP almond butter, dash of vanilla extract, 1/2 a banana. Blend in high-speed blender to thick consistency (thicker than a smoothie, use just enough water to be able to blend). Add a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips or cocao nibs. Freeze for about an hour, mixing a couple of times during that time. Enjoy like ice cream.